Improvements to Davyhulme wastewater treatment works will double sludge treatment capacity and process biosolids to a standard which means they have the potential to be reused as fertiliser. The project will also produce biogas sufficient to generate electricity for running the new treatment process and for feeding into the National Grid.

Pete Robinson, United Utilities programme manager said: “Sludge treatment is a 24-hour process, so there is a continuous supply of biogas. It is a very valuable resource and it is completely renewable. By harnessing this energy we can reduce our fuel bills and reduce our carbon footprint.”

The contract is planned to begin in early 2010 with initial operation in autumn 2011 and completion in late 2012.